Introduction

In today's complex global economy, robust corporate governance and unwavering financial transparency are paramount for building investor confidence, mitigating risks, and ensuring sustainable organizational growth. Stakeholders, from shareholders to regulators, demand clear, accurate, and timely financial reporting, making integrity in disclosure a cornerstone of responsible business practice. This comprehensive training course is meticulously designed to equip current and aspiring leaders with the essential frameworks and practical strategies to champion financial integrity and foster a culture of unparalleled transparency within their organizations.

This 5-day intensive program will empower participants to cultivate a deep understanding of financial reporting standards, master internal control frameworks, and refine their ability to lead with integrity and accountability in a highly scrutinized environment. You will learn to identify and mitigate financial risks, ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, and foster an environment where financial information is presented with utmost clarity and honesty. By mastering these critical competencies, you will enhance your capacity to protect your organization's reputation, attract capital, and drive its long-term success through a commitment to ethical and transparent financial stewardship.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Senior Leaders and Executives
• Board Members and Directors
• Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) and Finance Directors
• Financial Controllers and Accountants
• Internal and External Auditors
• Compliance Officers
• Legal Counsel
• Investor Relations Professionals
• Company Secretaries
• Aspiring Leaders in Finance and Governance

Objectives

• Understand the core principles of corporate governance and financial transparency.
• Develop a strategic mindset for promoting financial integrity and ethical reporting.
• Master key financial reporting standards and disclosure requirements.
• Learn to design and implement robust internal controls over financial reporting.
• Cultivate skills in identifying and mitigating financial risks and fraud.
• Enhance communication abilities to articulate financial performance transparently.
• Understand the role of regulatory bodies and enforcement actions in financial oversight.
• Develop strategies for fostering a culture of accountability and ethical conduct in finance.
• Create a personalized action plan for championing financial transparency.

Course Modules

Module 1: Foundations of Corporate Governance & Financial Reporting

• Defining corporate governance and its relationship with financial reporting.
• Understanding the importance of financial transparency for market trust and investor confidence.
• Exploring the roles and responsibilities of the board, audit committee, and management in financial oversight.
• Key principles of financial integrity and ethical conduct in reporting.
• Case studies of financial scandals and their governance implications.

Module 2: Key Financial Reporting Standards and Disclosure

• Overview of major accounting standards (e.g., IFRS, GAAP) and their impact on reporting.
• Understanding the components of financial statements (income statement, balance sheet, cash flow).
• Disclosure requirements for publicly traded companies.
• The importance of clear, accurate, and timely financial information.
• Preparing for future changes in financial reporting regulations.

Module 3: Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting (ICFR)

• Understanding the COSO Internal Control – Integrated Framework.
• Designing and implementing effective internal controls for financial processes.
• The role of segregation of duties, reconciliations, and authorizations.
• Preventing and detecting financial fraud and errors.
• Best practices for documenting and testing ICFR.

Module 4: Financial Risk Management and Fraud Prevention

• Identifying and assessing financial risks (e.g., market, credit, operational, liquidity).
• Strategies for mitigating financial risks through robust controls.
• Understanding common types of financial fraud and red flags.
• Implementing anti-fraud programs and forensic accounting principles.
• The role of whistleblowing mechanisms in financial integrity.

Module 5: Audit Committee Oversight and External Audit

• The Audit Committee's role in overseeing financial reporting and internal controls.
• Managing the relationship with external auditors to ensure independence and quality.
• Reviewing audit findings, significant accounting judgments, and critical audit matters.
• Ensuring compliance with audit committee best practices.
• The importance of effective communication between the audit committee and management.

Module 6: Stakeholder Communication and Investor Confidence

• Strategies for transparently communicating financial performance to investors and stakeholders.
• Best practices for investor relations and earnings calls.
• Avoiding misleading financial statements and "earnings management."
• The role of integrated reporting in connecting financial and non-financial performance.
• Building and maintaining trust with the financial markets.

Module 7: Ethical Leadership and Accountability in Finance

• Cultivating a strong ethical culture within the finance function and across the organization.
• The role of leadership in modeling integrity and accountability in financial matters.
• Strategies for addressing ethical dilemmas in financial reporting.
• Implementing clear accountability frameworks for financial performance and controls.
• Creating a personalized action plan for championing financial transparency and ethical governance.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.